One of the best things about chrome bathroom radiators is their beautiful shine. This polished exterior not only looks great, but the chrome plating actually functions as a hard-wearing, protective layer that covers the stainless steel body of the radiator or towel rail to stop it from rusting.
Unfortunately, over time, rust and corrosion can still manage to build up on the surface and dull the original sparkle. This is a common problem that is caused by a number of reasons.
- If the chrome plating becomes scratched or damaged, this will expose the steel underneath and cause a chemical reaction with the moisture and oxygen in the air.
- Most of us tend to have the heating off in the summer. This means that your chrome radiator will feel cool to touch and the warm moist air will condense on the surface. The water droplets will then run down the radiator and rust the metal.
- Sludge in the heating system can also cause corrosion and create little holes in the radiator which lead to leaks and eventually rust.
If you don’t keep on top of cleaning and maintaining your chrome bathroom radiators properly, this can also cause them to rust and lose their glimmer.
So if your chrome radiator is looking a little rusty, here’s what you need to do.
You will need:
- Couple of Microfibre cloths
- Soap or mild washing up detergent
- White vinegar
- Old soft bristle toothbrush
- Tinfoil
Time needed: 20 minutes.
- Turn the heating off
If you have visited any of our other heating guides, you will know that we always stress the importance of switching the heating off and allowing your radiators to cool before you start any heating job!
- Wipe down the radiator
Before you attack the rust and dive in with your cleaning solution, the first thing you need to do is remove any general dust, dirt or grime.
Dip your microfibre cloth into a bowl of soapy water, squeeze it out and wipe down the entire chrome surface. This will kill any bacteria hanging around from your wet towels and reveal any hidden rusty spots that you may not have spotted.
Once you have given the radiator a good clean, wipe it over again with some fresh water to prevent any streaks, drips or soap marks.
It is a good idea to clean your chrome bathroom radiator at least once a week to keep them germ free and extra sparkly.
- Remove the rust
Now for the fun part, getting rid of that rust! Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a bowl. You could also squeeze some lemon juice into the solution to disguise the sharp scent if you wish!
Dip a clean microfibre cloth into the solution, apply a little pressure and wipe down the entire radiator. To clean the corners of your chrome rails, dip an old, soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution to scrub the hard to reach areas.
Vinegar has the perfect amount of acidic properties to remove rust without damaging the radiator. It is also a cheaper alternative to most cleaning products and can be used to clean glass, countertops, bathrooms and other household items.
Another good tip is to apply a few sprinkles of baking soda to the rusty areas, leave for a minute then wipe away with a damp clean cloth.
- Scrub the radiator with foil
For stubborn, rusty patches, aluminum kitchen foil will do the trick. Avoid the temptation to grab some steel wool at this point. That will only scratch the chrome surface.
Since aluminum is a softer metal than the chrome plating, it will remove rust without damaging the radiator.
Tear off a couple of strips of aluminum foil and scrunch the strips into loose balls. Take a bowl of clean water, dunk them in and scrub the rusted patches on the chrome.
This will cause a chemical reaction between the metals and the water to produce aluminum oxide that will dissolve the rust.
Another great thing about using tin foil to remove rust is its preventative abilities. The aluminum seals the chrome to protect the radiator from rusting in the future.
If you’re still having trouble, dip the tinfoil into cola instead of water. The carbonic acid in the fizzy drink is also known for removing stubborn rust from chrome.
- Rinse the radiator
Like with most cleaning jobs, the situation often gets worse before it gets better! Removing rust is no exception.
After scrubbing away all the rust, you might be left with a muddy surface from the broken down rust particles.
Take a clean sponge or microfibre cloth, dip into a bowl of clean water, squeeze out the excess and wipe down the entire radiator.
- Dry the radiator
Once you have removed any remains of rust, it is important that you dry the radiator properly with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. If you were to skip this step and let the radiator air dry, you will be left with streaks and water spots that will take away from your hard work!
- Buff the chrome surface
Now to really enhance that shine! Take your dry microfibre cloth and rub the chrome surface in a circular motion, applying gentle pressure as you go. This will make the finish sparkle and look as good as new.
For an even brighter shine, try a few drops of baby oil on your cloth to polish the surface. Just make sure to keep rubbing it into the chrome so you are not left with any drip marks.
If you want to go all out, you can go for an electric option and buff the chrome radiator with a hand polisher and a clean and dry buffing pad.
Can’t Remove The Rust?
Unfortunately, if rust has lived on your chrome radiator for a long time, it can be very difficult to remove.
Or, it can leave behind a rusty, brown tint if you do manage to remove it.
If that is the case, why not take a look at our stylish chrome bathroom radiator collection?
